By Sharon Prudhomme
Belmar has many great spots, one of which is “Sweet Tease Gather & Indulge”. I did and I bulged! Formally located in Manasquan, Belmar is now home to this fun little gathering spot. A delightful & cozy must stop for breakfast, lunch or evening munch. Sweet Tease is known for their elegant Afternoon Tea with a spread fit for royalty! The Afternoon Tea, which requires a 24 hour notice and reservation consists of a starter course, along with three tiers of delectables! A “bottomless” pot of tea accompanies a scrumptious assortment of scones, clotted cream, jam, array of tea sandwiches, soup and quiche followed by a variety of tasty desserts. Wow!
Looking for a cool child’s birthday idea? Sweet Tease now offers dress up princess parties, baking and tea parties that are sure to please the little princess in your castle! A great idea for groups of friends! Lasting memories of birthday parties, baby or wedding showers, card clubs and unique business meetings begin at Sweet Tease.
My first visit proved a tough choice between the butternut squash & mushroom brie bisque with scone or quiche of the day & salad….quiche it was and oh so good! On my next lunch pit stop, my friend and I chose the scrumptious chicken salad on a Sweet Tease fresh from the oven buttery, light & flaky croissant with a cup of savory butternut soup. A fun side addition rather than chips in our basket of yum were a mixture of caramel and seasoned popcorn. We requested a lil taste of the mushroom brie bisque which was given two thumbs up in taste and quality.
A glass display case is loaded with fun yum yums such as specialty cupcakes (mini and Vegan), traditional crumb cake (regular or Devil food), cookies, biscotti, whoopi pies, muffins, scones, lemon squares and my dads’ old fav-soft & chewy macaroons. All of the above are readily available as eat in or take out. Tables of 2, 4 and more fill the 1st dining area with seating for groups and larger parties in the upper level dining area. The décor is fresh, fun, colorful and happy. In warmer weather outdoor dining is an option with limited seating.
Looking for a hostess gift? Need to bring an offering to the next party? Sweet Tease is just the ticket! More than 40 different teas as well as charming tea balls in a variety of shapes make perfect gifts for all occasions. Something to make every tea sipper smile. (My grand mom’s silver teapot tea ball from the 20’s is still in use today.) Pick up a box of real, premise baked goodness on your way to work and share.
Sweet liquids are in abundance too. In addition to the tea varieties there is an endless choice of flavors for coffees, sipping hot chocolate and espressos to tickle the taste buds.
The ovens are always crankin’! Boaters, fishermen and beach goers will find Sweet Tease just 1 block from the Marina and 4 blocks from the beach making a convenient “pick up on the way.”
Sweet Tease 604 Main St., Belmar, NJ (outdoor seasonal dining) owner: Kate Heath